Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $19.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Downers Grove, IL runs $19.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Downers Grove, the sterile processing technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.75 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $22.94. For those working part-time, specifically three days a week, this means a potential income of roughly $29,960 annually, providing a stable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. As part of their duties, technicians often work in various environments, including hospital SPD decontamination rooms and endoscope reprocessing areas, reflecting the diverse settings where they can apply their skills. Entry-level sterile processing technicians may start at about $15.89 per hour, while those with considerable experience can earn up to $28.68 per hour, showcasing a clear pathway for career advancement in this essential healthcare role.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.89 | $127.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.84 | $134.74 |
| Median (P50) | $19.75 | $158.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.32 | $194.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.68 | $229.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $19.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.75/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $41,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,700. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.99 | $3,423 | $41,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.99 | $2,054 | $24,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.00 | $1,369 | $16,432 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Downers Grove) | $19.75 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $41,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.90% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $43,069.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.75/hr = $24,648/year (purchasing power: $25,384).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,079/year (purchasing power: $42,306).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Downers Grove grew 27.4% from $14.87/hr (2019) to $18.95/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.58/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Downers Grove
From a financial perspective, part-time sterile processing technicians in Downers Grove can expect to earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, who typically work around 40 hours per week. Many professionals in this field opt for per diem roles, where per diem sterile processing technician pay in Downers Grove typically ranges between $22 and $32 per hour, offering flexibility but often without benefits. Moreover, those with CER credentials might see rates climb to $28-$40 per hour through agency placements; travel contracts have also emerged, providing opportunities to earn between $1,000 and $1,500 per week, especially in areas experiencing workforce shortages. In Downers Grove, hourly wages can differ based on the employer type—hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and third-party service providers each have unique compensation structures. Some technicians prioritize hourly wages with benefits, while others may accept higher rates without health insurance coverage. To negotiate effectively, candidates should emphasize their certification, relevant experience, and willingness to adapt to the evolving standards in sterilization practices following recent legislation and industry shifts.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Downers Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downers Grove is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov